Columns

As you well know, gentle reader, the principal reason set forth by the defenders of giving the extremely wealthy a “free ride”, insofar as the rate of taxation imposed on their income, is the assertion that these are the “job creators.”

Now, this is a defence that they may or may not believe.

After all, some folks can make themselves believe just about anything, no matter how preposterous.

I’m back on track with my dog-walking this week, thanks to our recent spring-like interlude.
It has felt good to be in the sunshine.
January seems to be flying by more quickly than usual, in part because of the more temperate winter weather.
I figure winter will whomp its hammer down on us at some point; like cats, the extreme seasons toy with us before they really mess us up.
For now, I’m really enjoying not freezing half to death.

Gentle reader, despite much of the news docket being concerned with the national election scene revolving around the the Republican contest for a presidential nominee, shall we start out with the local political scene?

The first item of interest is the announcement of Democratic Party Chairman, Bob Cowan, that there will be a grand opening for the Roane County Democratic Party Headquarters in the Parker Building on Court Street in Kingston, on Saturday, tomorrow, the 14th.

Well, Gentle Reader, here it is, 6 January, 2012, and as we indicated in the last column on 16 December, 2011, we would resume our Friday submissions on this date.
In the interim, we trust that you and yours enjoyed a wonderful Christmas, and a glorious New Year’s Day.
Inasmuch as we have now commenced the newest Leap Year, we have a bit over ten months of uninterrupted politicking in preparation for the elections in August and November.

This is a season of giving, good cheer, and forbearance.
Too bad that, as the political season begins in earnest with the turn of the year, all those fine sentiments will become just a memory.
So maybe, as we jot down our New Year’s resolutions, we could add this one: “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”
And then let’s hope that our political leaders add it to their lists, too.

By TIFFANY VILLAGER
First Amendment Center
The “right of the people … to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” the last freedom of the First Amendment, is the most forgotten freedom.
Each year when the First Amendment Center commissions its State of the First Amendment survey, petition is the freedom few can name (only 6 percent in 2010).
Why is the right of petition the forgotten freedom when it has deep historical roots?